Kovalam infra projects in Kerala inaugurated

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 5: Kerala Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran inaugurated the first and second phases of construction works of around Rs 20 crore for upgrading infrastructure facilities at Kovalam beach on Monday.

The project is based on the Kovalam master plan drawn up by the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala. Speaking on the occasion, Surendran said the government is giving importance to implementing eco-friendly projects in tourism centres. “With the completion of this project, the world famous Kovalam beach will get a makeover. In fact, we need a multi-level car parking here, but lack of land is a concern. The government will consider it seriously,” the Minister added.

Ms Rani George, Secretary, Tourism, who welcomed the gathering, said that the first and second phases of the Kovalam project will be completed within two years. Mr M Vincent, MLA presided over the function. P Bala Kiran, Director, Tourism, proposed a vote of thanks.

The first phase of construction works, to be implemented in Grove Beach, Samudra Beach and Park areas, has got administrative sanction of Rs 9.9 crore. The works, which will be held in nine areas at the beach, include an open air theater, a yoga deck of Rs 16.94 lakh, and toilet complex and changing rooms at a cost of Rs 47.62 lakh.

Besides, a welcome entrance arch (Rs 18 lakh), a boat-shaped seats for tourists (Rs 19.69 lakh), café and toilets (Rs 20.7 lakh), stone-paved walkways and bicycle track (Rs 27.87 lakh), roller skating area (Rs 9.5 lakh), and rain harvesting facility (Rs 24.26 lakh) are some of the other works included in the project.

Outpost and kiosk for police and lifeguards (Rs 11.39 lakh), CCTV facility (Rs 21 lakh), and audio facility (Rs 17.7 lakh) are also included in the first phase project, which has given importance for the setting up of tripods of the coastal walls at a cost of Rs 3.6 crore.

The second phase construction activities at Hawa Beach, Sea Rock Beach and Light House Beach have got administrative sanction of Rs 9.95 crore. The project includes two walkways of 13ft width and 400 m length at a cost of Rs 1.28 crore.

Tripods at Sea Rock beach and Light House beach for coastal safety will be set up at a cost of Rs 85 lakh, and Rs 1.10 crore has been allotted for laser show facility.

Edakkallu Rock garden (Rs 75 lakh) is a major work in the project. For the constriction of outpost and kiosk for police and life guards (Rs 11.39 lakh) and 100 boat-shaped seats (Rs 10 lakh) also include in the project. The work will be executed by Uralunglal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS). UNI